News In Brief

Chernenko also named as commander in chief

Konstantin Chernenko, who became Communist Party chief just two weeks ago, has been named commander in chief of the Soviet military in a consolidation of his power, a Western diplomat said Monday.

The appointment gives Mr. Chernenko two of the three top positions in the Soviet leadership opened up by the death of Yuri Andropov, leaving just the largely ceremonial presidency vacant.

The Western diplomat said Marshal Nikolai Ogarkov referred to Chernenko as chairman of the Defense Council at a reception to celebrate Armed Forces Day last Thursday.